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Instrumentation Spotlight - May 09

Level Measurement System
The SmartBob2 weight and cable inventory management system has been enhanced. The system is for powder and bulk solid measurement in bins and storage silos up to 180 ft tall. Consisting of SmartBob measurement devices, control consoles, and eBob reporting software, this automated wired or wireless inventory monitoring and reporting solution can be used for the grain, seed, feed, cement, coal, aggregates, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and plastics industries. Measurement devices include a high-temperature model to operate in extreme conditions from 240° to 500°F, plus SmartBob-TS1 for smaller bins up to 40 ft tall. BinMaster, Lincoln, NE 800-278-4241 www.binmaster.com

Online and Lab NIR Moisture Sensors
The IR3000 online moisture sensor was developed for instant, noncontact analysis of powder and granular materials for the harshest environments. Insensitive to material variations such as particle size and material height, the unit provides continuous, accurate readings, allowing operating personnel the ability to make immediate process adjustments based on real-time measurements. The net result is improved quality and reduced production costs by saving in energy and waste. The 858 is an at-line, lab moisture analyzer that uses a patented optical technique and touch screen PC. The broad-beam instrument is designed to measure sealed samples in 1 second with no constituent losses due to volatilization, which results in a true moisture reading and accuracies within 0.01%.MoistTech, Moorpark, CA 805-378-1160 www.moisttech.com

Microwave Moisture Sensor System
This robust sensing system is used to measure moisture to a penetration depth of 12 in. The degree of accuracy is 0.2% where a measurement volume of approximately 4 gal is desired. The sensor can be flange mounted or gantry mounted, with numerous configurations possible for transmissions measurements for on-line volume applications. The unit operates in a temperature range of 32°to 158°F and is ideal for blending, mixing, and process control. The material-specific calibration allows exact and reproducible moisture measurements under difficult circumstances. ConverTec Corp., Newtown, PA, 215-860-8998 www.coronabeam.com

Airborne Particle Monitor
The AA-3500 is an advanced real-time light-scattering aerosol monitor that utilizes the latest in infrared optical sensing technology. The unit provides accurate and immediate display of airborne particle concentrations in accordance with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and is NIST traceable. The product is designed for the indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, and green buildings market to quantify the presence of airborne lung-damaging particulates. Applications include HVAC integrity, office contaminants, manufacturing process dust, pollen dust, lead dust, construction dust, evaluating levels of respiratory control, and any application that requires immediate and accurate air monitoring of lung-damaging particles. The monitor comes complete with Windows-based PC software for storing data and generating management-ready reports. Environmental Devices Corp., Plaistow, NH 800-234-2589 www.hazdust.com

Loop-Powered Level Switch
This explosionproof level switch has a wide tuning range and ability to ignore product buildup on the probe. Powered by 16–32 V dc, the output is 8 mA when the probe is in air and 16 mA when product is touching the probe. An internal jumper for reverse acting output is standard. Onboard power and calibration LEDs mean the only tool needed to set up this unit is a small screwdriver. The two-wire design makes installation quick and easy for plants having spare cable pairs. Interfacing with a PLC makes this unit ideal for OEM equipment. The probe is Type 316 stainless steel and is available in exotic materials of construction. Babbitt International Inc., Houston, TX 800-835-8012 www.babbittlevel.com

Moisture/Solids Analyzer
The MAX 4000XL provides the latest in rapid loss on drying technology. With improved performance and quicker throughput, along with many new features and operator controls, the unit provides excellent repeatability and correlation to existing methods. It also has a Web server option that allows test results to be downloaded and test parameters to be uploaded via a local intranet. Application development, training, and instrument calibration and repair are provided. Arizona Instrument LLC, Tempe, AZ 602-281-1698 www.azic.com

Bulk Flow Monitor
The Series BFM bulk flow monitor provides effective monitoring for most flow/no-flow conditions in pipes and chutes. Its sensing techniques, which use both microwave and Doppler, make it versatile for most applications. The control offers a number of advanced features. The BFM central processing unit monitors movement of almost anything through a pipe or chute system. It senses the presence or absence of materials in a pneumatic air system and offers adjustable sensitivity depending on the application demand. It provides easy installation and requires no maintenance. The unit has LED indicators: flow (green)/no-flow (red). Dwyer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN 800-872-9141 www.dwyer-inst.com

Multichannel Particulate Monitor
This multichannel particulate monitor is suited for monitoring multicompartment fabric filter baghouses, multichamber cartridge dust collectors, multiclone cyclones, and clusters of bin vents. For large fabric filters in the combustion industries, such as coal burning power plants, cement plants, trash incinerators, and foundries, the multichannel system has proven to be a superior control device to an opacity monitor in the stack. For pulse-jet filters, leak locating can be added as an option. The system employs field-proven induction-sensing, protected-probe, and automatic self-check technologies to provide high reliability and simple operation. The rugged modular design allows for easy expansion and upgrades. FilterSense, Beverly, MA 978-927-4304 www.filtersense.com

Particle Sizing System
Incorporating a sampler, prediluter, cascade diluter, and measurement cell, the Insitec LPS is a fully automated particle sizing system that measures particles from 0.1 to 1000 µm in almost any wet stream. The unit is fully automated and is supplied with the Malvern Link software package that simplifies operation and facilitates integration with existing control platforms. Operating 24/7, it requires little manual intervention and generates particle size data at the frequency needed for real-time process control. The availability of an Intrinsically Safe (IS) version further extends the system’s applicability.Malvern Instruments Inc., Westborough, MA 508-768-6400 www.malvern.com

Multiscale Weight Controller
The HI 3030 multiscale weight controller can act as a front end to a PLC, PC, or DCS for level, batching, filling and dispensing, and checkweighing applications, or as a stand-alone for simple control or weight monitoring. As a bridge to a PLC, its four scales can share one network connection, whether it’s DeviceNet, ControlNet, Ethernet/IP, Remote I/O, or Profibus. Additional HI 3030s can be linked with their multiple scales and share the same network connection. The unit features Waversaver to eliminate the effects of surrounding vibration, C2 electronic calibration without test weights, and integrated technician for system diagnostics and troubleshooting.Hardy Instruments Inc., San Diego, CA 800-821-5831 www.hardyinst.com

In-Line Process Control
SpectrInLine Processware allows manufacturers to accurately measure the concentration of specific product contents and ingredients at the speed of light, in-line, and in real time. Currently installed in a broad range of industries, including meat and deli meat, salt, sugar and sweetener, mined mineral, and pet food processing lines, it utilizes application-specific multivariate optical computing, which enables manufacturers to increase their profitability, reduce waste, conserve energy, and ensure final product quality. It is designed to withstand harsh industrial environments and is directly mounted on relevant process control points of the production line. By generating data instantly, it allows for process settings to be immediately adjusted manually or via PLC-based automation, and optimizes
the product’s adherence to specifications. Ometric Corp., Columbia, SC 803-233-4683 www.ometric.com